CLARA BARTON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/28/1910 - HFSID 182539

CLARA BARTON
Clara Barton writes sending a check that is much needed and to say that she is not able to see any more for long periods of time.
Autograph Letter Signed: "Clara Barton", 1¼p, 5¾x8¾. Glen Echo, 1910 February 28. To "My Dear Roscoe". In full: "I am very glad to include in this a little check, for the $15.00 named in your letter of the 25th. I am glad because it may carry with it a [illegible] let of relief, and I look forward to the day when you will have entire relief from all of these [illegible] I regret to say that my eyes are on one of their customary strikes. I respect they belong to the union, and demand shorter hours. Dr. Hubbell seeing my position inverted on writing for me, which I hope he has done- He has been so clearly occupied for the two months of the present year that I have not troubled him with even your letters, but last night I handed a couple to read. He seemed [illegible] pleased and hurt, and asked if the mister- no write you as I taught her has,- I cannot see more to write Yours Sincerely" CLARA BARTON (1821-1912), who had served on the battlefields of the Civil War, became acquainted with the International Red Cross of Geneva while working abroad during the Franco-Prussian conflict and established the American Red Cross in 1882. She served as the organization's President until June 16, 1904, when she resigned from her "lifelong presidency". In April 1905, the year before this document was signed, Barton, who had originally planned to organized a Red Cross in Mexico, founded the National First Aid Association of America, which taught first aid classes (likely the reason for the Diplomas mentioned in this letter), developed the original first aid kits and helped to organize community ambulance brigades. She would serve as the organization's honorary President for five years. In 1907, The Story of My Childhood, the first and only volume of her planned multi-volume autobiography, was published. In 1891, Edward and Edwin Baltzley had built a three-story, 30-room home in Glen Echo, Maryland for Barton. Remodeled in 1897 as the headquarters of the American Red Cross, the home temporarily served as a warehouse and was crammed with thousands of items to assist victims of wars and natural disasters. Barton would live in the home until her death. Fold creases not at signature. Lightly wrinkled at bottom. Otherwise, fine condition.